All good things must come to an end...

Today was my first day back to work and all I could think about was, "Where did my summer go?". Don't get me wrong, I look forward to starting a new year with a new group of faces, and trying to figure out the new problems/joys that come with them. Here are a few things that I learned this summer. These are in so specific order:

1. Don't lose your faith in God. Without your faith, your life can become filled with chaos and fear. I admit that when Major passed away, my world was rocked in a way that I never anticipated/wanted to admit. It was the first truly traumatic event that has ever happened to me because it was so completely unexpected. Sure I've had deaths in the family before, but I knew they were coming, and had time to emotionally prepare. Because of Major's death, I have had trouble trusting God, and I feared that he could rock my world again in a way that I was not expecting. It has caused excess anxiety that has been frustrating for everyone in my life (including God). The good news is, that through this, I've realized my relationship with Him has not been the strongest, and am choosing now to listen instead of fighting with Him.

1. Put the remote down and go for evening walks. I've loved talking with my David about random things at the end of our day, and not having anyone or anything interupt us. Well almost anything, Daisy Mae is now feared by all squirrels in the neighborhood. In return we fear the day that they realize she can't hurt a fly and will thus retaliate. Although on the a positive note, we are supporting our chiropractor's first born child, due to whip lash and out of line spines.


2. Take a trip, know what the place has to offer, but don't over plan. David and I did this on our trip to San Diego, and it was so relaxing! We did what we wanted, when we wanted to. Okay, so it was more like we actually got around to doing something when both of our indecissive minds could finally come to a conclusion on what to do. The one activity that we actually agreed on was fun. Just joking!
   
   
3. The order of our house through Daisy Mae's, our female boxer, eyes. Daisy Mae will cuddle up to David, but will literally talk back to me. I'm usually baffled by this, until David clearly pointed out how she sees things in our household. David is the big kahuna, Daisy Mae is the assistant, and I am the household help.
   
   
4. Unclutter your life! The junk in my parents' garage had been increasing each year. It was overwhelming to walk into, and so my mother and I put on our ugliest clothes and finally attacked it this summer. It took two full days, and on our last day, we took 400 lbs. of trash to the dump. That was not including the heaping mound that we had lined down the street in front of their house for the trash men the day before. It helped me to see what I need to do in my own life. Although old awards may be great, are my kids and grandkids really going to care about looking at them. I also saw the truism in 'One man's trash may be another man's treasure'. People were stopping by and going through their trash. At first I was disgusted, but realized that for some this is their means of income. They refinish it, sell it, and it helps support their family. Good job Mom and Dad for getting rid of all that stuff!

1. I'm the oldest child in my family, which usually means that I have all the answers on how my brother and sister should live their lives. This summer though, I realized that they are doing quite well without my input. They are trying to figure out their own path and just like myself, they want someone to be there for them no matter what with a hug and sometimes not words.
   
   
2. I appreciate my husband for everything that he does. For two months, he got up every Monday thru Friday and went to work while I slept in. He didn't complain, but worked long hard hours trying to earn back a portion of our non-existant fortune that I'm quickly spending. He claims that we haven't made it rich, but I keep telling him not to worry I'm sure we will soon. Please send donations!



3. I need to change my attitude with teaching. I love my job, but after 8 hours of working with 6th graders it can be trying at times. I've realized that I haven't handled situations the best that I can. I read something today that really made me think. It said, "I will always treat you with respect, to show you how you should treat me and others." I know that I have not been a model teacher when showing that to my students.


4. I need to take care of my body more. After some food poisoning, I have had a month long bout with some GI tract problems. It seems as though it takes forever to repair this. (but on a brighter note, daily upset stomachs have gotten me back to my wedding day weight). In the mean time however, I'm getting tired of bland food (mostly grilled chicken and yogurt) and let's just say that as a newly wed, poor David has had to learn far more about me and my GI tract than he ever planned.
   
5. Have fun doing the things you enjoy! If you enjoy taking a nap, then take one. If you just want to sit and read a book, then cozy up and begin. So what if last Friday you saw a movie and you're doing it again. It's okay not to make a single phone call in one day and just enjoy the quiet personal time.